Anaheim enters negotiations to keep Angels for long term

Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - The Angels will remain in Anaheim for at least
three more years and the stay for the major league club could be much longer.

The Anaheim City Council approved a pair of motions to enter negotiations with
the team to remain in Anaheim until at least 2036.

The team, officially known as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, can't opt out
of their current lease agreement until October 2016 and no later than February
2017. The City Council approved an amended clause that extends the opt-out
date to October 2019. A new lease agreement could keep the Angels in the city
until 2057.

"Angels Baseball has been an important contributor to the entire Anaheim
community, and we hope they remain in Anaheim for years to come," said Anaheim
city official Tom Morton. "The council's direction gives us ample time and
direction to begin discussions with the intent to come to a mutually
beneficial agreement. There are many items to discuss, and we look forward to
working with the Angels during this important time."

The current negotiations could lead to owner Arte Moreno gaining full control
of the team moniker, meaning he would have the right to drop "of Anaheim" in
the name.

The team has played at Angel Stadium since 1966. It's the fourth-oldest
stadium in Major League Baseball.